Britain's Surrender

Years of demonizing Israel and appeasing Islamist extremism have coalesced in an unprecedented wave of hatred against Israel and a sharp rise in attacks on British Jews.

In Britain, the war in Gaza has revealed the extent to which the media, intelligentsia and political class have simply crumbled in the face of the global jihad.

The U.K. is a major player in European and world politics and is America's most significant strategic ally. Until now, it has been considered one of Israel's firm supporters and a linchpin of the Western defense against the world-wide Islamist onslaught. With the reaction to Gaza, however, that reputation is no longer sustainable.

London's reaction to the Gaza war shows it is giving up against jihad.

Years of demonizing Israel and appeasing Islamist extremism within Britain have now coalesced, as a result of the media misrepresentation of the Gaza war as an atrocity against civilians, in an unprecedented wave of hatred against Israel and a sharp rise in attacks on British Jews.

Throughout the war, London's streets have witnessed a hallucinatory level of violent and explicit support for Hamas from Muslims, members of the far left and supposedly progressive individuals.

Night after night, Israel's embassy in well-to-do Kensington found itself under violent siege. Demonstrators attempted to storm the building, howling their support for the terrorist body whose genocidal intentions toward Israel and the Jews necessarily includes killing every one of the occupants inside.

Certainly, there have been anti-Israel protests around the world. But in Britain, not only have these been particularly violent but the authorities have done nothing to stop such incitement of hatred.

The police told pro-Israel demonstrators on at least one occasion to put away their Israel flags because they were "inflammatory." Yet officers allowed some anti-Israel demonstrators to scream support for Hamas -- and even to dress up as hook-nosed Jews pretending to drink the blood of Palestinian babies.

In general, the police have reacted passively to the violence. One recent video clip captured the astonishing spectacle of Muslims stampeding through London's West End hurling traffic cones and other missiles at the police, all the time shrieking "Allahu akbar" and "cowards." The police ran and stumbled backward rather than standing their ground and stopping the rampage.

Not only has such violence barely been reported. There has also been no acknowledgment of the explicitly Islamist nature of these demonstrations. Keffiyeh-clad demonstrators prostrated themselves in prayer or shouted "Allahu akbar" as they attacked Jewish-owned or -founded stores, such as Starbucks and Tesco, on numerous occasions.

Instead, the political class has simply regurgitated Hamas propaganda. In a debate in the House of Commons last week, one MP after another expressed horror at Israel's supposed crimes against humanity in Gaza.

More serious still, Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell cited as fact the Hamas claim that 300 children had been killed in Gaza, even though Israel has given a much lower figure, and said the Israeli action was "disproportionate" and the bombing was "indefensible and unacceptable."

In fact, the British government has effectively taken the view that Israel should not be allowed to defend itself by military means against the Hamas rockets that ministers have taken care to condemn.

From the second day of the war, Foreign Secretary David Miliband was calling for an immediate cease-fire by both sides. Since Hamas would take no notice, this in practice amounted to pressure upon Israel to stop defending itself.

It was Britain which took the lead in framing the United Nations resolution calling upon Israel to withdraw all its forces from Gaza while making no mention whatever of Hamas. And it was Britain which also drew a disquieting moral equivalence between Hamas terrorism and Israeli self-defense.

Certainly, neither Mr. Miliband nor Mr. Brown -- a reputed supporter of Israel -- can be unaware that it was Tony Blair's refusal to call for an immediate cease-fire by Israel in the 2006 Lebanon war that finally led his MPs, already enraged by his support for the war in Iraq, to force him prematurely out of office.

But Britain's new coolness toward Israel is due to much more than this. The government's failure to support Israel's war against Hamas as the front line of the West's defense against the global Islamic jihad reflects its failure in turn to acknowledge the nature of that world-wide phenomenon.

Last Thursday, Mr. Miliband wrote in the Guardian that there was no single, unified Islamist threat but merely a set of various local grievances, such as Kashmir or the Golan Heights. Such startling ignorance of the goals and ideological antecedents of the Islamic jihad, from Hamas to Hezbollah to Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Taiba, is of a piece with the British government's stubborn refusal to accept that the West is under assault from a war of religion.

The government denies this fact because it does not want to face up to the unpalatable realities of fighting such a war. So although "middle Britain" is beginning to grasp that the Islamists in Gaza are the same as those rampaging through the streets of London, ministers are intent on appeasing Muslim extremism and intimidation both at home and abroad.

Accordingly, while Britain's security services have had significant success in smashing Islamic terrorism plots, government strategy for combating Islamist extremism rests upon seeking to mollify Britain's two million or so Muslims by avoiding confrontation -- which means turning a blind eye to threatening statements.

Recently, prominent British Muslims who advise ministers against Islamist extremism wrote an open letter making the veiled threat that unless the government condemned Israel there would be a rise in violence in Britain.

Ministers' openly stated fear that this will indeed happen as a result of the war in Gaza makes them anxious to show Britain's Muslims that they oppose Israel's actions. They don't understand that, by showing such weakness in the face of intimidation, they are not just betraying their Israeli ally but also undermining the Western defense against the jihad.

Across the spectrum, Britain's elites are terrified of dealing with militant Islamism. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that, in a pattern which goes back to the foundational Christian blood libel against the Jews, they are concealing their fearful inability to deal with Islamist aggression by displacing the blame onto its Israeli victims instead.

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 58

(58)
meyer,
August 26, 2014 6:15 PM

I believe white elk is a wise man who knows history. As a jew I feel we have much in common with our native American people.In my opinion the England has always been anti jew and anti Israel. They will never support Israel because they have no oil. In my opinion they the british are untrustworthy scum. Look at world history and see how the brits have become a second rate power. Unfortunately for them they will see their country destroyed by their muslim invites.

(57)
Hrothygar,
March 22, 2011 7:03 PM

The Elite do not speak for the majority

The article is quite right in what it says regarding the attitudes of the new Marxist leaning establishment in Britain.They share the views of the European union which has made agreements through the Euro-arab dialogue to assist moslem terrorists to villify and distort Israeli actions in relation to Palestine.The reasons for this are very hard for outsiders to understand;it partly fear of Islamic jihad,the need for oil,the so called benefits of immigration to swell declining populations,trade deals with moslem states.The Eu seeks to extend it's Empire to Turkey and Arabia and no doubt beyond.The left find common cause with Islam at the moment through many of their policies and social ideals.The EU is reshaping human behaviour and morals into the image desired by atheists,social engineers and anti human environmentalists and muliculturists.This has a strong Marxist base.The biggest enemy in this ambition is Judeo-Christianity because it will insist on absolutes based on a higher authority than man.The elite believe that all nationalities,customs and beliefs can be moulded into one.They see Islam as being useful in destroying judeo-christianity and European culture.They mistakenly and stupidly think that the allure of consumerism will tame Islam.They have a Tiger by the tail.The ordinary British person is aghast and confused by all this ,and most are opposed to it.The British people,especially run-of -the -mill Christians support Israel and are friendly towards her.The left wing educational establishment has confused and re-written the history of modern Israel in favour of the moslems.The British public are largely ignorant of the facts.The real villain here is the EU and the "liberal" elite.

(56)
Colin,
March 22, 2011 5:48 AM

Values in Governance counts

Liberals cannot govern a country even if they wanted to. They tolorate too much evil and ruin both the well being and the economy of their countries that they govern. The Muslims are taking over the Western World bit by bit and the weak liberals are allowing this to happen. Hitler succeeded because of a liberal Europe to cause destruction to many. The world has not learn and refuses to learn from past history. The way forward is a concervative type of government run by conservative Jews and Christians who are vary clear and focussed on their values, morals and ethics, and who will refuse point blanck to compromise on what is wrong and to know the difference between right and wrong.

(55)
Elonna,
February 3, 2009 5:38 PM

British Wimps

Britain isn't doing itself any favors backing down like wimps from militant Hamas supporters. It will bite them in the behind eventually. I would like to believe there are more bright Brits who support Israel, rather than dullards who support Hamas.

(54)
Yechielshlipshon,
January 30, 2009 8:31 PM

todah, true friend

I cannot express competely my thanks for the wise words in #54. We share a long history of our peoples being condemned because of the greed and bigetry of these so-called civilized people. Soon, HaShem help us, the wind of hatred they help launched shall reap the wirlwind. And they are too blind to see how they are placing the noose around their own necks.

(53)
White Elk,
January 29, 2009 1:40 PM

A Sioux's view

The article says:
The U.K. .... Until now, it has been considered one of Israel's firm supporters and a linchpin of the Western defense against the world-wide Islamist onslaught. With the reaction to Gaza, however, that reputation is no longer sustainable.
That comment is greatly mistaken. Britain was NEVER a true friend of your nation. They exiled you twice, rescinding the decree each time only upon realization of how useful your people are. The UK's exchequer (Secretary of Treasury), of the period of WW2, admitted in his memoires that his government, along with the USA, purposely instigated strife amongst the "Palestinian" Arabs against your people in order to prevent the planned economic & industrial cooperation between the 2 nations. This was because feared the competition this union might make to the European & US companies. Also during WW2 the Nazis drop-loaded by parachutes a jeep with German officers in traditional Arab clothing who knew arabic well & a lot of money to cruise "Palestine" to incite violent hatred & attacks against Jews. The UK knew about it and did nothing to stop it nor to seek them. Remember too how they not only turned a blind eye, but even helped, Arab terrorists and mobs murder your people in cold blood. Recall too what they did to shiploads of holocaust refugees.
Stop being fooled by empty rhetoric and "friendship" that hides surreptitious enmity.
But I fully believe that The Great Mystery Spirit, Creator of the World, who has protected your great nation and erased your enemies from the world throughout the millennia will continue to do so.

(52)
Dvirah,
January 29, 2009 8:44 AM

To Anonymous (9) of 25/01/2009

No one is asking the Palestinians to leave Gaza, we are only asking them to stop attacking us. On the contrary we left so that they could have more room, and we even left them all our argicultural "industry" (cultivated fields to harvest, orchards, hothouses) that they could have taken over and used to boost their economy. Rather than take advantage of what they were given they destroyed close to 100's years worth of hard work. And then attacked, attacked and attacked, continuously. Your "wonderful" Britain ignores this truth.

(51)
julian,
January 28, 2009 7:40 PM

a canvas of constantly changing world

I do not want to sound smug in the midst of the strife brought about by the present blight of Islamist terror, but humanity seemed to have difficulty learning what God does for His people. Sure there were those who felt so despondent about the Pharao's stranglehold on the lives of Jews in Egypt, there were those who felt so devastated when in 70 CE the Romans forced the Jews to dispersed or even watched the last stand at Masada, and again in the squalid bunkers of concentration camps of Dachau, Auschwitz, Belzen or Nordhausen there were those who may given up in the face of seemingly insurmountable inhumanity against the Jewish people. More than 5 thousand years of history, consistently outliving the worst of its time. The current insanity could certainly tax the strengths of our faiths, but God presides over the changes much differently from how we want it to be. There is but one thing we need to do.

(50)
Zamira,
January 28, 2009 4:49 PM

Your forgot history-Palestine in the 30's, & 40's

Sorry Ms. Phillips, you have forgotten history - remember Palestine in the 30's & 40's when the Bloody British murdered Jews & allowed the Arab terrorists to kill Jews. Remember the Irgun members who were hung? History tends to repeat itself-what you sew so shall you reap. They deserve whatever they get - appease the Nazis you get war - appease the Muslim terrorists - you get your own terror.

(49)
Beverly Kurtin,
January 28, 2009 4:33 PM

Mah N'istano?

The Brits are just reaping what they have been sowing since the end of WWII They have been kissing up to Arabs who despise freedom and liberty and have allowed incredible numbers of Muslims to take over their country. I could not be more gleeful if I tried. They have areas within their country that are "no go" zones where the police are afraid to go. It is a cowardly act, of course, but so are the Brits. They acted as cowards and lost the United States. Then they promised the Jews of the world a homeland. They reneged on that and lookie at what happened to them. Prior to WWII they boasted that the sun never set on the British Empire. Now it is an insignificant island off the coast of Europe, they lost their empire.
Go ahead, Brits. Keep on slamming God's chosen people. You have more to lose.
I cannot begin to imagine the United States giving up parts of the country to Muslims where the police would be afraid to go.
I said it before and I'll say it again: They are nothing more than cowards.

(48)
sjhepner,
January 28, 2009 12:56 PM

Amazing..

A mze of lies against Israel..

(47)
Jane Mobach,
January 28, 2009 10:23 AM

Stringent analysis that needs more exposure

Melanie Phillips encapsulates a reality that those in ignorance should heed, and those who know exactly what's happening, but choose to distort Israel's untenable position should wake up to before it's too late. Appeasement has never worked, especially between the conflicting ideologies of democratic Israel and the terrorist groups. Showing any kind of unilateral peace initiative, e.g. pulling out of Gaza in 2005, is seen as a sign of weakness by Hamas, Hizbollah et al. I saw what the residents of Sderot, and moshav Ha'asara Netiv, suffered on a near daily basis. I try to tell my work colleagues what the real situation is between Israel and Hamas, but their eyes become cold.

(46)
gs,
January 27, 2009 11:45 PM

Defend your home, defend your country

The scary thing is that the UK has taken away its citizens best chance to defend themselves against the violence that is brewing over there - they have been disarmed. Many of those who voted for this are now are having second thoughts: it has not lowered the crime rate, but instead, crime has gone up. No surprise. It isn't really a shocker that the British government isn't supportive of Israel defending itself when they won't even allow their own citizens to have guns in their homes to protect themselves. There was a case in the UK where a homeowner shot at two men who broke into his home, killing one of them. This homeowner is now serving a prison sentence for defending himself. The parallels are clear, Israel stood up and fought - British citizens, even if their government has made it difficult, may soon have to do the same.

(45)
Anonymous,
January 27, 2009 11:30 PM

Not yet late..

This is a very articulate overview, in my view, of what is happening across the european continent.
It would behave the British to reach down, very deep, before they are let astray by their "leaders."
It would be a terrible loss, if hatred of the anti-semitic brand, is allowed to grow.
I shudder at the destruction of British civility, culture, and traditions. When the country that enabled the creation of the Magna Carta is overwhelmed and overrun by violent citizens, appeasers, and cowards, it does not bode well for its future.
I sincerely hope that a "Churchill" type of individual emerges from the mobs
and brings some decency and British commonsense back into British Society.
I hope that "The Audacity of Courage, Law, and Order - British Style," will be a book that is written by the next , Great British visionary. Britain desperately needs a "States Person."

(44)
Yaakov,
January 27, 2009 9:56 PM

Nothing new

It's naive to use the word "unprecedented" when dealing with the anti-semitism in Europe, especially in Britain. The British have been our enemies for centuries with such highlights as the 13th century violent expulsion of the Jews from England, the Cheirim of York that was instituted after the insurgent massacre of the Jewish population there, the British-headed crusades and the honor accorded to the leaders of that slaughter, the immortalization of the greedy, conniving Jew by Shakespeare (who even now is defended from those who call him out on this) and more historical hatred that the Jews have suffered from that nasty country. If any one nation that we have encountered resembles Amalek, its them.

(43)
NORMAN ROBERTS,
January 27, 2009 8:28 PM

BRITISH SURRENDER TO ISLAMIC GANGSTERS

THE BRITS HAVE BECOME PUSSY CATS....TO LET THE BRITISH ISLES BE TAKEN OVER BY THE SOCIOPATHIC ISLAMIST GANGSTERS I FEEL SORRY FOR THE HONEST MUSLIMS WHO WILL SUFFER.

(42)
Miriam,
January 27, 2009 5:36 PM

Brits and anti-seminism

In World War 11, the Brits allowed Hitler to rise to power through their appeasement of him. They handed him Czeckoslovakia and Poland on a silver platter. Allowed him to annex Austria and Holland -- all to appease perhaps one of the biggest killers in History. they only showed courage when it was their turn to be under bombardment and what did they do about the bombardment? They endured, depending on others to fight for them. Not that they didn't contribute to the war effort, they did, but where were they at the start? Britain has a long history of anti-semitism going back centuries. In the 1600's they translated a Christian bible into English and changed the name of the writer from Jacob (too Jewish a name) to James. The only Christian Bibles that have his name as James are those that are printed in English. This is proof of anti-semitism and it is getting more virulent in the present day. Perhaps we are closer to the Day of the L-rd that has been prophesied than we think. HaShem protects Israel. May H- continue to do so.

(41)
angela barnes,
January 27, 2009 2:31 PM

I am ashamed

I am british by birth, but a beliver in the God of Israel and therefore love His people.
I am so ashamed of britian, to be called british, I will leave judgement to the God of Israel
For me i can only say sorry, and may Messiah soon come.

(40)
J Ward,
January 27, 2009 1:35 PM

if you try & get a letter in support of Isreal published in your local paper it just doesn`t happen ,I am surprised by how many people the BBC fooled by saying that they wouldnt run the ad for aid to Gaza ! the first time they said it they spent over 15minuts at the top of the hour explaining why ,then 7minuts everytime the news came on for the next day and a half,its a lot like that other con when the Supermarkets play certain soft music and people star buying crap they didnt intend buying

(39)
Brandon,
January 27, 2009 8:33 AM

England Is Finished

Muslim's have a well versed hidden agenda for domination, they are also very very well versed in how to create & manipulate situations to there benefit even if it means killing there children to achieve there goal, after all they believe they are dying for g-d & it sure makes good TV to gain as much support for the islamic world & to make the Jews look as evil as possible whilst attacking from under the radar & saying we didn't do it like some scene from a school yard.......
If you need isight as to the Islamic domination plan read a book called THE ISLAMIST by Ed Husain published by Penguin ISBN 978-0-141-03043-2 a book about muslims by a muslim & there plan for the UK,Europe & the world.......
Key Word: NEVER SPECULATE.
oh & by the way i am an ex muslim so i know what im talking about.
May your eyes be opened before they are forcibly closed

(38)
Anonymous,
January 27, 2009 6:58 AM

untrue scare-mongering

With all due respect to this article, it is simply not true. Ms Phillips does not mention the letter signed by almost all the Muslim leaders of Britain and circulated to 1,200 mosques that Israel's war with Hamas has nothing to do with Britain and the Jewish and Muslim communities should continue to live in harmony. I live in London. There is nothing going on. She does not mention the very well attended pro-Israel rally in central London. She does not mention the BBC's refusal to air a relief ad for victims of Gaza. Skynews also refused. She does mention BBC "five-live" constantly hosting talks shows with most callers defending Israel. There is anti-semtism in the UK as in most parts of the world (including a virulent strain of it in Florida) but Britain has not surrendered and is still, thank G-d, a fine and good place for the Jewish community.

(37)
REUVEN LITTLE,
January 27, 2009 5:14 AM

Ashamed and alarmed.

I am British. My father fought throughout the entirety of WW2, and my grandfather through all of WW1.There was much to be proud of when, as children, we heard the stories of those dangerous days.But times have changed, and now I am ashamed of what I see daily on my tv screen.Antisemitism is rampant and getting more aggressive by the day. Israel is ridiculed. misrepresented and hated on all sides.Baroness Tongue,a member of the House of Lords,recently accused Israel of Lies and War Crimes.She concluded her ill founded diatribe by asking "What of Israel's future now?" Shameful stuff indeed! With attitudes like hers,and so many others of her ilk,I can't help but wonder what future Britain has.Sadly,not a very bright one if this kind of political bias, moral weakness and miltary appeasement continues. As a British citizen, and as a Jew, I find it all very,very alarming.

(36)
jana ondrackova,
January 27, 2009 3:58 AM

the brits and anti-semitism

My generation remembers the British stand towards Jews fleeing Europe at the beginning of the second world war - how the ships laden with emigrees were turned away, how the Brits sided with the Arab Just remember Churchill´s famous words : The kingdoms of this world run on oil and the Arabs have the oil.I was astounded by the BBC´s coverage of Gaza (much the same as many other west European media) Now they do not want to publish the plea for help to Gaza - they have probably realized that they are a world-known medium. Better late than never - but the wrong has already been done.
Jana

(35)
Gila,
January 27, 2009 3:46 AM

Very sad

As a Briton who converted to Judaism and has made my home in Israel, I grew up on stories from my parents of the blitz in the Second World War, and the strong resolve of the British people that they were going to win no matter what, even at the very difficult time of the Battle of Britain in 1940 when Britain stood alone against Germany and it seemed a German invasion was imminent.
When I was a child in the 60s/70s, the moral values espoused by Christianity, founded on Jewish ethical values, still essentially formed the backbone to the accepted social norm. This has fallen apart as more and more people have left any religious observance or worship, opening up more and more to materialism, hedonism, or if spiritually inclined towards the new age or paganism, still at base an essentially me-centred approach.
Into this vacuum there have been many immigrants who have flooded into Britain, the majority being Muslim. Many are from the area of Pakistan and peope from that part of the world are generally seen in the wider Muslim world as more backward and rigid in their application of the Koran. They normally possess a strong sense of belief and Muslim identity which is hugely different from the amorphous cultural flux, family splintering and social confusion amongst many presentday Britons.
Whatever the wrongs of Britain in its dealings with the Jewish people during the Mandate, and after, many ordinary Britons lost their lives in the Second World War fighting against Hitler and the Nazis, in the hope that their sacrifice would enable a better world to emerge where people could freely live without oppression.
Over sixty years on, while undoubtedly materially there have been huge advances, nevertheless morally and socially I tremble to think what the British people who died and sacrificed so much in the Second World War would have made of present-day Britain.

(34)
Marc Milton-Talbot,
January 27, 2009 1:46 AM

Britain is in the trash can of history

Even in 1978 my grandfather,a WW1 veteran would break down in tears over the state of Britain... then!If Hitler were around today Britain would unconditionally surrender:no doubt about that.The politicos who run that country today are spineless jellyfish [including Gordon Brown,the Saviour of the World]grovelling to the millions of Islamists who should never been allowed to set foot in that once great nation.Now it's my time to weep.Millions of "ethnic" Englishmen are voting with their feet and resettling in Her former colonies:the British Diaspora.Israel should take this as a lesson:a country divided by race and religion will surely disintegrate.Unity is strength:divided you fall.

(33)
Anonymous,
January 26, 2009 3:47 PM

re: the irony of it

@Benny B:
You have to remember the history of Israel between the Balfour Declaration and Independence... The Brits kowtowed mercilessly to the Arabs. Any time the Arabs would start a riot, the UK released a white paper which made it harder on the Jews. It makes you wonder how they managed to take over so much of the Middle East when they acted like pansies anytime an Arab said "boo".

(32)
sisi,
January 26, 2009 11:06 AM

The other day there were protestors outside the BBC offices threatening their employees b/c the BBC deemed a televised plea for donations for Gaza "victims" to not be something they felt comfortable airing.
I wonder what would happen if Jews staged a violent protest everytime they felt wronged? I am sure we wouldn't get the same favorable response violent Muslim protests get.
They don't say thanks when the BBC airs nothing but pro-Palestinian "news" broadcasts but the minute they do something even a tiny bit not to their liking they are out on the streets issuing threats. They aren't happy with the BBC giving them the upper hand 99% of the time if once in a while the BBC does the right thing and doesn't give in.
You publish a cartoon in Norway that an Imam in the Middle East doesn't like? Let's set fire to embassies in several other countries. There is no understanding of free speech, freedom, or peace left in the Muslim world. Its nothing but take, steal, and loot whatever you want whenever you want it.
Its a shame that the Muslim world has become a mass of ignorant, violent, and intolerant people whose past culture of art, learning, and relatively peaceful coexistance with others is now nothing more than a chapter in a history book.

(31)
MB,
January 26, 2009 10:13 AM

This country headed toward Europe model

With the left taking power in this country, we can expect the same. Anti Isreal sentiment in the left leaning press can only lead to anti-Semitism in this country.

(30)
benny b,
January 26, 2009 9:24 AM

the irony of it

The ironic aspect of this story is that it was England, through the Balfour Declaration, that established the Jewish legitamate right to a homeland.
Time and intimidation have eroded British sense of truth and justice.

(29)
Uri Noach,
January 26, 2009 6:24 AM

Why didn't they go when they could?

PEOPLE ALWAYS SAY, WHY DIDN'T THE JEWS LEAVE EUROPE BEFORE THE HOLOCAUST WHILE THERE WAS STILL TIME? NOW ALL THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL AND...AT LEAST FOR NOW...THERE IS STLL TIME. BRITISH JEWS,JEWS ALL OVER THE WORLD, SHOULD COME TO LIVE IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL WHILE THEY CAN. THAT IS THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE PROPHETS TELL US IS THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE.

(28)
Anonymous,
January 26, 2009 5:11 AM

Britain is seeing big increase in anti-Semitism

Britain is definitely seeing a big increase in anti-Semitism. I live there, and I've heard of so many incidents that don't make the media. I'm a small-time, freelance journalist, and recently wrote a short piece favourable to Israel, outlining various co-existence and charity projects Israel sponsors. It ran in a weekly newspaper. Afterwards, I received an anonymous, threating phone call (which is why I don't want my name to appear) threatening me with unspecified "trouble" if I wrote anything else of a similar nature. As a wife and mother, I fear for my family. This is only a small incident, but it shows how the wind is blowing.

(27)
Estie,
January 26, 2009 4:17 AM

Ashamed of where I was born

I was born and raised in England - nothing to be proud of, instead of telling Israel what we should or shouldnt do, they should be sorting out England, nothing would entice me back "home" sinply as its not, Israel is my home and one I am extremely proud of, as opposed to a country full of wimps that back down to anyone a darker shade than a bottle of milk, not only do they back down, they bend over backwards to ensure they have the resources to bother real english people.
You only have to read the sun - www.thesun.co.uk to see what a pickle the country is in - people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones

(26)
Anonymous,
January 26, 2009 12:47 AM

The English have always been our "friends"
I recall as a ten year old in South Africa
during the years of 1947,1948 I was attacked by my English school mates,because of what was happening here in Israel. It seems that nothing has changed, and they never learn from their mistakes With G-d`s we will survive.

(25)
Shloime,
January 26, 2009 12:18 AM

Come & live here

The propaganda you mention from the media, is only on one station namely the BBC. (Incidentally, they attacked yesterday for not airing an appeal for a gazan charity. Their excuse: It is such a sesitive issue, we are worried it will affect our impartiality!) The government understood from day 1 who is to blame. They never accused Israel of doing something they should not have. In the House of Commons too, they expressed their concern about the civilians that died, but that doesn't mean they are anti Israel. Here in London, we have no fear to go on the streets. Check you facts!

(24)
Alan R Naftalis,
January 25, 2009 11:57 PM

AN OTHER EXAMPLE OF BRITISH BIAS

Sadly the facts in Ms Phillips article are not an isolated example of British bias concerning Istael & the Middle East. From university professors seeking boycotts against Israeli professors, researchers, students & universities to nightly biased anti-Israel coverage on the BBC and in much of its media, a shocking number of Britain's intellectual, leftist and media personalities daily parrot an anti-Israel line which at times borders on anti-Semitism and all too frequently crosses that line.Who can forget Vanessa Redgrave's defense of PLO terrorism & the propoganda film she made where she literally joyfully danced with terrorists, men with Jewish blood on their hangs. Those arguing the case for Israel, including Ms Phillips are routinely ridiculed on the BBC and before audiences all too willing to hurl ethnically biased epithets and cat calls. Today's conduct must been seen in the light of past events: the White Paper which closed Palestine to Jewish immigration on the eve of WW2, the policies of the postwar Attlee/Bevin Labor govt which turned back the Holocaust's refugees as they tried to enter, stripped Jews of the weapons they would need for their self-defense after the British pullout and its strong opposition to the very creation of Israel. Lest we also forget that it was the British which trained, armed & commanded Transjordan's (today's Jordan) Arab Legion which not only fought to destroy the newly reborn state, but was the military force that expelled all of the Jewish residents from the old city of Jerusalem in the 48/49 war. Today,s events must seen against that historical record.

(23)
Anonymous,
January 25, 2009 10:39 PM

Same England as ever

The disgraceful behaviour of the British people has been predictable and, at the same time, very British. Why should we be surprised at the conduct of the country who, as recently as the 50's (and after the second world war) thought it acceptable to display notices of rooms to let which openly stated "NO BLACKS or IRISH".
Britain's record on racism is as bad as it has always been. Shame on you, Britain.

(22)
Charles,
January 25, 2009 7:39 PM

Britain Puts Signature to Own Cultural Extinction

Once known as *Great Britain*, the self-demoted nation now known as "The United Kingdom (UK)" has all but capitulated to Islam, a culture which is Koranically-dedicated to the figurative and literal destruction of all competing religions and cultures. When does the virtue of "Tolerance" become the arch-fault of "Cultural Cowardice"?
All countries throughout the world which have Judaeo-Christian precepts as their foundation are now at extreme risk respecting the survival of their Euro-Centric, Christian-referenced culture. Canada is not far behind the UK and France in offering its cultural throat to the immigration lobby, and is already considering implementation of some aspects of "Sharia Law" within its larger legal framework. The encouragement of an extreme degree of immigration from threateningly-competitive cultures, particularly a culture based upon projecting its religion by the sword, is the moral equivalent of opening wide the doors to one's enemies, allowing them permanent entry if they are not carrying a visible weapon. The real weapon, of course, lies within their hearts -- all which become neo-Trojan Horses. As the numbers of Muslims increase in Judaeo-Christian communities, the governmental/political sensitivities increase. The high birth-rate among Muslim immigrants, when compared with Western birth-rates, will also ensure that Islam will be triumphant, without so much as a fist being raised. Islam cannot lose this latest expansion of their faith and culture, unless the West puts its foot firmly down, saying, "no further". Steps must be taken to not offer voting rights or citizenship to those whose religo-culture demands that they spread the same by threat of the sword. It is likely too late for once-great Britain/U.K. to save itself democratically, and ironic that in order to do so, the Lion of European democracy will be forced to morph into a dictatorship. However, I have reluctantly come to the stark realization that we must take Draconian measures. How do we make sure that in doing so, we do not become like the Nazis or Stalinist Communists while divesting ourselves of this Islamocentric dynamic threat?
I want to be perfectly clear that the Jewish population of Europe never presented a culture-changing challenge or danger to the majority culture, and that the horrors suffered by Jews at the hands of the Nazis were and are abhorrent. Judaism is Christianity's mother, and never has been a violently-expansive Faith.
The Islamic threat, however, is a de facto religious invasion which, sadly, must be addressed by a program of disenfranchisement and deportation in light of what Islam has wrought historically in its inexorable march.

(21)
Gabe,
January 25, 2009 6:24 PM

Londonistan

Well the british political elite ( being the underdog of the US since WWII.) now embracing the " bend over policy". Good job lads !

(20)
Christopher,
January 25, 2009 6:24 PM

War Crimes???

I guess that, had the current mood prevailed at the end of WW2, British Prime Minister Winston would have been tried for 'War Crimes' and hanged.

(19)
Danuta Renata,
January 25, 2009 6:00 PM

The Brits designet this map in the Middle East and that was an error.Chambelain is sending his regards from hell

(18)
Hannah Tova,
January 25, 2009 4:30 PM

Not to mention

Not to mention the stance of the Church of Scotland in support of the Palestinians (even before the Gaza conflict) and the plans to build the largest mosque of all of Europe in London. Should we not refer to our history books and remember it was Britain which tried to placate Hitler with similar political movements in the 1930's! It's time for a British soul searching review of her policies.

(17)
ian Senior,
January 25, 2009 4:23 PM

Britain is still Great

Dear Sir
It may be more than just co incidental that I thought of actually contacting the Israelli authorities on the same matter before you aired it.
There are 2 main points that I would like to stress.
The first is that Great Britain is not to blame'
The second is that a media war is being waged against Israel, showing its actions to be inhumane.In future Israel will have to battle as much on the propaganda front as against terrorism.
Anyone not knowing better is disgusted when innocent children are seen dying and suffering. The media seems to be highlighting everything excessive about Israel's operations and excluding every thing humane.
You and I may never know the true picture as we are 'fed' by media sensationalisms.
Let us hope and pray for an end to all misery, and also abstain from blaming anyone. We simply do know all of the facrs

(16)
NS,
January 25, 2009 3:27 PM

Islamic Europe...

The Europeans are well aware that the clock is ticking against them as Islam is conquering Europe with babies. They are clueless however, as what to do. By condemning Israel they are only buying time.....

(15)
Anonymous,
January 25, 2009 3:03 PM

What will it take???

What will it take for Jew in the diaspora to go home to the land promised to their fathers? Perhaps when the simmering heat turns into an unbearable flame...

(14)
David,
January 25, 2009 2:15 PM

Changing times

It's hard to believe but I can see a rise in Anti-Semetism across the world. I pray that the United States of America will always stand firm behind Israel and its people as it battles against the enemies of G-d.

(13)
Mark,
January 25, 2009 2:14 PM

Shocked, but not suprised, Local Police run from Muslim School kids

I am Shocked, frustrated and despondant all at the same time, but I am not suprised. In an area which would have once been classed as the quiet suburbs a trickle of muslim families from Packistan have been moving into the houses around us, (when I lived in Leicester, in the middle of an asian area, it was different atitudes and I was friends with 89% of my neighbours)"white" locals haves ceased from spending as much time on the streets and the police do not do anything.To keep it brief Here are two examples just to show they have an attituede against everybody and the police and government will not take action to stand up for thereown people let alone another country beause they are scared of the playground bully it is as simple as that.
Asian Muslim youths from 6 to 17, cause a breach of the peace on the street throwing stones at neighbours houses, Police dont show up but they send a CSO, the muslim youths start to throw eggs and stones at this police officer until he has run off the street, They chant in the streeet, " we own the street, here piggy ,piggy" and also "Allahu akbar" it was only when I went out onto the street to stand up t them, and they know I dont run,(if they have a go at me, they know I will go to the heads of their family and bring it home to their comfort zone, so when they get home their families make sure they keep away from me because of the trouble I bring home to them) it's only when the police cso see's me on the street does he and two others come out of hiding and start taking names and knocking on asian doors because i told them I was going to stay right there untill i sawe police action because i had witnessed the attack and they cant walk away from that, so they admitted it and started to take action in a hail of racsist stereeotyping from the Packistanis families as they gave ticket warnings to the parents of the kids.
AThe 2nd one I saw a white guy being threatened by two Packistani muslims, I kept back untill I could read what was actually happening I.E who was at fault, who was the agresser etc.
They started with a knife,didnt use it just threatened him, when the Police arrived the muslims started withthat they had been mocked on their return from prayer and rascist comments had been used, (i made sure the Police knew this was a false statement without the Packistani's knowing as I walked behind them and signalled to the Police (who I knew) who was the ones starting the racism and it was the muslims.
I found out later that these muslims had been threatening alot of "white guys and then calling their "possies" on their mobiles once they had got a fight started then instigating a racist fight to escalat the targeted level of the local asians to increase the facilities supplied and just for the ownership of th streets. Numerous occasions I've had young muslims holding up toy guns, some mock some replica and imitating commrnts on the tv, millitant behaviour and attitudes of toughness from terroism.
After 9/11 these same muslims held a replica pistoll, 9mm browning, in a firing stance directed at me, shouting death to all american cowards,.
The local police have deaf ears to the trouble the local packistani muslims cause, broken windows, arson, theft, drunkeness, the list goes on ,which amases me that the same ones get away with alot because the police say "it's against their religion to drink, so they couldnt have been drunk" or "they were at temple so it couldn't have been them" it amazies me when we the locals know that this is just not true. I am ashamed that our police and government are not only acting in ignorance to the behaviour of the palistinans and also I have noticed an increase in anti Iraeli reporting from the BBc, ITV and newspapers, I just cant understand how they are all so blind from a local street in green Shropshire, to London across to Israel. It's embarrasing, frustrating and makes me very angry that the country that I was born in is becoming so ignorant, and failing to stan by it's beliefs, I never thought that Britain would be scared of the playground bully, and then let them come home with them to bully them in their own home while we have to srtand by and be judged by our governments incompatence. Sorry Israel, Sorry my brother and sisters, May all your prayers be answered by He Who sits on high.
yours, a friend on his way to conversion.
and Local Police run from Muslim School kids

(12)
diogenes,
January 25, 2009 2:04 PM

Chamberlain is Back

How quickly they forget. Neville Chamberlain thought he could appease Hitler and sidestep the direct threat to his country. Now, the spineless British government thinks it can do the same thing. I hope these poor excuses for human beings running the government are not representative of the truly courageous British citizens.

(11)
Joseph,
January 25, 2009 1:10 PM

world war I I

I hope England will not allow the same error Mr. Chamberlain did in the World war II, when in the name of the british government signed a commitment with Hitler (Germany) and caused a disaster Holocaust, that we all know the aftermath.Today the British want to appease the muslim violence by condemning Israel,instead threatning the muslim terrorists and supporters warning:Enough is enough , no more hatred or your next home is HELL.

(10)
jacek,
January 25, 2009 1:03 PM

UKstan

and it,s "independent" BBC(al-beebs)

(9)
Anonymous,
January 25, 2009 12:01 PM

Britain

I'm a British citizen and proud of it. I have lived abroad for many years but still kept my British passport.
Rightly speaking I am Scottish so maybe these acts you complain of happen more in England than in Scotland.
Still, it hurts when someone in here belittles that wonderful country that contributed so much more to the world than it took away.
Yes, it would be better for Israel if Gaza didn't exist. But where are these people supposed to go? No other country wants them - not even Jordan where they were supposed to go.
Too many in Britain and Europe already. Why not ask the Staes to take them in. Plenty of open spaces left here!

(8)
Joe Whitehead,
January 25, 2009 11:54 AM

The Call to Israel for True Peace

One thing that the nation of Israel needs to understand and act upon, is that when living outside of Israel (the Jewish spiritual homeland) the call to make aliya from the Al-mighty comes in the form of Goyim pressure.
Israel can never find true "peace" (Quratet "peace" means pro-Islamic / anti-Israel) in a Quartet-controlled environment regardless how much they try to play by the Quartet's rules. It will never be enough as antisemitic world conditions demonstrate.
The more Israel turns to her only savior (Isaiah 45:21) and stop trusting in Quartet princes (Psalms 146:3) the more "true" peace Israel will find.

(7)
Elana,
January 25, 2009 11:24 AM

The sun never sets on the British Empire

...nor does it rise anymore, which leaves the British public doomed to living in the dark with their politics.

(6)
Col. AH Goldstein,
January 25, 2009 10:23 AM

Brits/Jews

It's Common Knowledge The land of the Queen encouraged the UN in 48 to create a Jewish homeland to rid England and Europe of what was leftof its Jewish citizenry. Knowing all along the Muslim world woud try to anialate all, again prooven with the brit hesintation to help the struggling new nation. England the home of Chamberlin appeasement has lost all it's energies of strength and fortitude since the collapse of its empire.

(5)
anwar,
January 25, 2009 9:57 AM

islam in britain

i am a moslem and i fear that if the uk does not stand up to moslem bullys then the freedom of the uk is in grave danger.some of us moslems do not want islamic terror.however israel has fallen right into the hands of hammas by their over kill.hammas wants israel to overeact in this way and are laughing at israel now becoming the bad boys.so yes come on britain and show these cowards the door and israel come on use your intelligence,both of you are feeding the extremists.

(4)
Barbara Sabag,
January 25, 2009 9:42 AM

Britain surrender

Gee, a truth, worth reading is actually printed in an American newspaper!

(3)
Jake,
January 25, 2009 9:32 AM

What goes around comes around

Oh Well.
I guess we can expect that soon Buckingham Palace will be surrounded by Minarets. Tea time will be replaced with Turkish coffee and sitting on the rug, barefoot. Instead of the Beatles, they'll get calls for prayers..etc

(2)
Anonymous,
January 25, 2009 9:28 AM

Britain forgot Hitler

Britain reacted the same way to Hitler before WWII

(1)
Charles,
January 25, 2009 7:11 AM

Britian has forgotten Hitler and what it cost them.

For shame the British have forgoten the lessons of Munich and Hitler and his Nazi children.They are on the move again and their name is fundamental Islam and they are in a holy war against the west,Chrisianity and Judiasm.Churchill had some profound things to say.How sad that this formely great democracy has forgotten them for itself and the world.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

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